A Prototype Cargo Trike

I started working with a group that wanted to move some boxes of veggies around town with pedal power. We searched all over the Web for ideas about what to build and ended up with the general plan you see here.

We had access to lots of donor bike parts from a local alternative transportation group. Follow the link below to see how you can get similar parts.

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-I-Get-Free-Bike-Parts-Legally/

This Ible describes the prototype for the cargo trike that followed. I am working on an Ible describing the next version of the cargo trike we have built. I will add a link to that Ible when I get it published.

Prototype Cargo Trike Specifications:

Overall weight 75#
Cargo portion with front wheels 48#
Rear portion with rear wheel 27#

Cargo Bed 30" X 48"
Pivot Pin 24" from front
Front wheel axles 27" from front
Handlebar is 30" above the bed

Step 1 Selecting the Rear Power Wheel

We were looking for a 26" rear triangle, rear wheel, brake and derailleur. We selected one with a single-piece crank for the prototype. Photo #1 shows the donor bike before we cut it up. Photo #2 shows the pieces after the cuts. We just severed the top and bottom tubes where they met the seat tube. Photo #3 is the part we wanted for the trike power wheel.

Comments

[blackbeardlion]

Stick an icebox on that and sell some ice cream!

[sillywilly]

If you decide to build another one using the existing power frame portion of the rear I've got two suggestions. 1) weld in a down tube going from where seat post slides in going down to horizontal tubes which go under box section. This will cut down on flexing by triangulation and make the horizontal tube shorter. 2) Use a lazy susan ball bearing plate for your pivot and weld horizontal tubes to outside edges of susan plate. They will need to come together about a foot before being welded to the crankshaft area so the pedals have clearance. The horizontal tubes are the ones most subject to flexing so using bigger tubing will cut down on the flex if you can terminate it on both ends without compromising the structural integrity by boxing in any open ends and cross-bracing. Otherwise, very good 1st try!

[rosewood513]

I think this is great, I could really use this for myself, but I am not the handy with metals etc. Nice job.

[l8nite]

I totally understand the desire to build yourself on the cheap but theres a reason why companies like Worksman Cycles uses large heavy duty tubing for industrial type bikes/trikes. Keep plugging away, I'm sure you'll get one that works well.

Im not affiliated with Workmans other than being a very satisfied customer of their PAV trike, if you haven't checked them out before they have a wide variaty of bikes/trikes with lots of specifications listed
http://www.worksman.com/